• The goal of pain management is to have the most pain control with the least amount of medication (to limit side effects). This allows you to get the most benefit from the treatments aimed at reducing your cancer.
• You should never feel you have to endure pain. Even when pain is mild, it can interfere with daily life and make other side effects, such as fatigue, seem worse.
• Let your health care provider know about any pain or discomfort you have.
• Pain is usually easier to treat when you first have it. Waiting until the pain is severe before getting relief can make it harder to control and may require more medication. So, it’s important to talk with your provider as soon as you have any pain.
• Everyone's pain is different. So, it's important to describe exactly what you're feeling to your health care provider. This ensures your provider can give you the best treatment for your pain
Questions your health care provider may ask:
Where is the pain?
When did the pain start?
How long has the pain lasted?
Has the pain changed in any way?
Is there anything that makes the pain worse or better?
How intense is the pain (mild, moderate, severe).
What is your pain level now? Most of the time? Is that level OK to you?
Describe the pain (throbbing, burning, tingling, pressure, etc.).
Does the pain come and go or do you feel it all the time?
Does the pain affect your ability to perform or enjoy daily activities?
Does the pain interfere with your sleep? Your appetite? Does it affect your mood?
What do you think is causing the pain?
How do you feel about pain control?
